‘Language ideology’ in the language planning process: Two African case studies

Abstract

Language planning, together with the articulation and implementation of various language policies, has come to play an increasingly significant role-in policy-making in both developed and developing societies. Although it would appear axiomatic that the successful implementation of a given language policy requires an understanding of and sensitivity to the socio-political context in which the policy is to operate, an important component of this context has been consistently overlooked in much of the language planning literature. As Juan Cobarrubias has observed, ‘(t)he ideological aspect related to language-status planning is perhaps the most neglected area of language planning, in spite of the fact that ideologies underlie all forms of status planning’. In this article, the tentative classification of language ideologies proposed by Cobarrubias is discussed, and suggestions for expanding and modifying the taxonomy are made. Two specific Southern African cases are discussed in some detail to provide support for the proposed additions to the taxonomy, and several other African cases are raised.